News from Assabet

by susan on October 3, 2012

Lots of great things are happening at Assabet this year. Here is a collection of press releases with all the details.

Assabet Valley Auto Tech Program Among Top 25 in Nation
The Automotive Technology program at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School was recently named one of the top 25 finalists for the Tomorrow’s Technician 2012 School of the Year. The competition is sponsored by O’Reilly Auto Parts and WIX Filters, and Assabet was one of 340 nominated entrants comprised of high schools, technical schools, and colleges. The school stands to win prizes, tools, and, of course, further recognition for the school if they are chosen to move forward. (read more)

Above: Jeff Contreras, from Hudson, and Brian Vasquez, Marlborough, both juniors in Auto Tech at Assabet Valley, begin the diagnostics on a customer’s vehicle (contributed photo)

Assabet Chosen as Verizon Innovative Learning School
Eight science teachers from Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School in Marlboro will return to their classrooms this fall, ready, willing and able to show their 9th and 10th grade students how to use their iPads to sharpen their science skills and, ultimately, pique their interests in careers where there are good jobs. (read more)

Anna Conrad and Alexia Forhan, both science teachers at Assabet Valley, work through some training items at a recent session provided by Verizon as part of the $40,000 grant won by the school (contributed photo)

Assabet welcomes new staff
Assabet Valley welcomed 7 new members to the staff this year. Pictured below from left to right are Dennis Whitney, Design and Visual Communications; Brian Frederico, Social Studies; Laura Ryder, Health Technologies; Chris Wittmier, Metal Fabrication; Meaghen Attella, English; Maki Faria, College and Career Counselor; and Justin Carter, Mathematics

Two of my children attended Assabet. My son Nathan was in Precision Machining. He turned out to be a specialist on certain machines, and has distinguished himself working in the field. He has gone on to fill my shoes as a firefighter and remains as a consultant to a firm in Woburn. My daughter Kerry was in the drafting program and was the valedictorian of her graduating class. She has since graduated from the College of the Holy Cross, and is first lieutenant with the US Army Special Forces/Spec Ops in Afghanistan. She is currently on the selection list for promotion to Captain. Both participated in the US FIRST robotics program at Assabet. I found that Assabet “ain’t your grandaddy’s voke school”, rather it is a comprehensive technical training school. It is an overlooked gem in our local educational system.

I just had a recent tour of the school and was extremely impressed. Both my children attended ARHS. One had a better experience than the other. Had I known more about Assabet back then I would have strongly considered it. I can tell you from what I saw during my tour, my child would have flourished and I regret not giving them that opportunity. It’s unfortunate that there is a stigma with technical schools. I also wish the guidance counselor at ARHS suggested to consider Assabet.